LA TRINIDAD, Benguet – Malacañang recently declared November 22 and 23, 2024 as special non-working days in the municipalities of Tublay and Itogon as well as the whole province of Benguet in celebration of their respective founding anniversaries.
Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin signed a series of proclamations by authority of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., declaring the 124th founding anniversary of Benguet, which is being celebrated through the Adivay Festival.
The special non-working holidays were stated to allow residents of Benguet to actively participate in events and ceremonies that were organized by the local governments.
Benguet Gov. Melchor Diclas said the theme of this year’s celebration is “Embracing our Heritage, Co-creating a HEALTHIER Benguet.” Over 40 public- and private sector-led activities will run from November 5 to December 3, 2024.
Adivay is a Kankaney term for coming together and feasting on food and drinks. The festival has been traditionally organized to showcase Benguet’s two major industries: agriculture and mining. But unlike in previous years, this year’s festival will separate the mining sector from Adivay’s celebrations.
A Mining Summit, previously held as part of Adivay, will instead be hosted on a separate occasion that will be agreed upon by the concerned stakeholders.
